Psychologists in Divisions 42, 12/29, or 17: A Comparative Examination.

Watkins, C. Edward, Jr.; And Others

A growing number of psychologists seem to be involving themselves in independent psychological practice. Consistent with this trend, Division 42 (Independent Practice) of the American Psychological Association (APA) was developed. Division 42 has grown considerably in recent years, with a membership of over 5,000 psychologists. While psychologists in Division 42 have a common interest in private practice, information generally is limited about practitioners who affiliate with it as opposed to other applied divisions. This survey compared psychologists (N=150) exclusively affiliated with Divisions 42 (Independent Practice), 12 (Clinical) and/or 29 (Psychotherapy), or 17 (Counseling) on three variables: major field, special areas of interest, and employment setting. Subjects exclusively affiliated with Division 42 identified their primary field, area of interest, and employment setting as clinical psychology, therapy, and private practice, respectively. Division 42 members were highly similar to individuals exclusively affiliated with Division(s) 12 and/or 29. Division 42 members were most dissimilar to individuals exclusively affiliated with Division 17. Division 42 members were almost exclusively practitioner-oriented. These results seem to strongly agree with the basic focus and major thrust of Division 42 and its members: to enhance psychologists' understanding of, and ability to deal effectively with, private practice issues and the private practice setting. (Author/ABL)